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Baking soda and vinegar are a powerful cleaning combination that no dirt is impervious to. Use baking soda and vinegar to clean your drains in 30 seconds with help from a cleaning expert known as "The Green Cleaning Coach" in this free video clip.
Grout does not have to make a permanent residence on the ceramic tile in your home. Clean off fresh grout from ceramic tile with help from a home cleaning professional in this free video clip.
When your Whirlpool WFW9400SW00 residential washing machine fails to drain properly, chances are you need to clean or replace the washer drain pump. Signs that your Whirlpool washer's pump is failing include wet clothes, long wash times and excessive vibration. Hiring a technician to perform a simple pump replacement job can be costly. Save time and money by learning how to repair this common front-load washer yourself.
Cleaning bathroom mold requires you to keep a few very important things in mind. Learn how to safely clean bathroom mold with help from a maintenance professional in this free video clip.
When cleaning a bathroom you're going to want to make a checklist of things you have to accomplish. Make a custodial checklist for bathrooms with help from a maintenance professional in this free video clip.
Silicone baking utensils need to be cleaned in a very specific way for maximum affect. Clean silicone baking utensils with help from a cleaning expert and national lecturer in this free video clip.
Jetted hot tubs are available as standalone units -- with outer housings -- or as unfinished drop-in units that require framework to be built around them. If you're installing a drop-in tub, extend the framework to form a deck. You can cover your deck in tile, stone or other material and use it as a pleasant sitting and communal area. The process of framing a jetted tub deck requires some basic carpentry skills and a few basic tools.
Dishwashers do not usually need much in the way of cleaning. Running the Jetclean EQ Plus regularly takes care of most debris and dirt inside the machine. The drain on a dishwasher sits on the bottom of the tub, and the most challenging task will be accessing the plate that covers it. Once you expose the drain, removing debris is all the basic maintenance your Maytag requires.
Custom shower construction or remodeling grants a homeowner or builder the freedom to accommodate unique needs and desires. One special feature that may be included in a shower is a recessed niche. Sometimes also known as a shampoo niche or nook, this feature provides a convenient, out-of-the-way storage space and often contributes positively to overall shower appearance. A properly constructed niche must be watertight if it will be subjected to water spray and the glass shelf must have a slight slope to facilitate drainage.
Access doors are used to get at plumbing systems that are likely to require maintenance over the life of the system. Jetted tub motors are a system or product that is a good candidate for an access door. Typically, the access door is located on the opposite side of the wall from the tub placement in the room closest to the tub. The access panel is disguised to look like drywall so it can be finished with the rest of the wall surfaces to further hide the panel. The access door should be built into the wall sduring initial construction…
A toilet that is cemented to the floor can be difficult, but by no means impossible, to remove. The first part of this process, disconnecting the tank, is the same as with other toilets. When it comes time to removal of the bowl, however, challenges may arise. With a little bit of effort, however, you can remove the cemented toilet and continue with the larger project, like replacing the unit.
Although toilets feature of number of areas that can leak, perhaps the most serious leak comes from underneath the toilet. A leak here not only results in potential water damage, but can also allow noxious gases to enter the home. Between the toilet and the floor are two components: a wax ring and a drain tube. Together, these components are designed to prevent such a leak. If the tube is damaged, the wax ring may not be enough to stop a leak. Although you must remove the toilet to access the drain tube, doing so is a straightforward job.
Properly sealing a shower drain is important to ensure your shower doesn't leak around the fixture and into the cavity below when the water drains out of it. Whether you're installing a new shower or have removed the drain to clean it, sealing the drain correctly can save you hours of work and significant expenses repairing water damage from an improperly sealed drain.
Although the InSinkErator garbage disposal is a convenient appliance, often it is too convenient and can be overlooked when it comes to cleaning. Over time, food buildup causes a foul odor and also interferes with the efficiency of the cutting blades. It is a good idea to clean the disposal once a month to prevent odors and food buildup. Cleaning an InSinkErator disposal does not require any disassembly of the unit. Cleaning is as simple as disposing of food through the disposal.
If you have a glass shower, over time the rubber sealing in between the glass and the wall can wear down and become cracked. This can result in water leaking through the broken seal and creating costly damages in the wall. Even though you can call a professional to reseal your glass shower, the truth is that you can do the job yourself for much less money. You can purchase a ready-to-install rubber shower sealer strip that is the correct length for your glass shower in hardware stores and online.
An undermount sink integrates seamlessly with Corian countertops. Instead of having a lip that anchors itself on the face of the countertop, an undermount sink hides its lip underneath — making more room for more attractive features like the faucet. Many homeowners prefer to have their countertops professionally cut, even if they decide to install the sink themselves. If you decide to try your hand at cutting the hole in your countertop, take your time — you can't make the cut too large.
Keeping the jets free of dust, dirt and other buildup should be part of your regular hot tub maintenance schedule. Clean jets will last longer and perform better, in addition to being more sanitary for the people using the hot tub. A simple clean water cycle run periodically when the tub stands unused for extended periods of time will keep dust out of the jets, but heavier cleaning is required to remove caked-on dirt and grime left by regular use and the use of oil-based additives or bubble baths.
If you are looking for a way to add a little sparkle to your kitchen or bathroom design, opt for polished surface tiles for your floors, bathroom walls or backsplash. Most decorative tiles have protective overlays that protect them from scratching, chipping and cracking over time. Polished surface tiles are buffed to a smooth finish and generally have a high-gloss protective coating that creates a lustrous appeal.
While a quick shower in the morning might be ideal for someone who is trying to get to work on time, after a long day at the office, a long, hot bath might be just what the doctor ordered. Jacuzzi has a variety of tubs that come in a variety of sizes. These tubs range in size from 5 to more than 6 feet in length, and they can accommodate even the tallest people.
Alongside convection, micathermic and radiant space heaters, ceramic disc heaters -- usually known simply as ceramic heaters -- warm rooms via ceramic disc heating elements. A fan blows the warm air from the element as oscillating or swiveling features help distribute the heat. Ceramic heaters, typically cool to the touch, present a safe heating option. Though the title of “best” ceramic heater is up to each individual consumer to determine, professional recommendations help separate some models from the pack.
In your quest to keep your home spic and span, you may have amassed a small arsenal of cleaning products. There are myriad cleaners available to eradicate all manner of stains, and toilet bowl rings and water deposits have their own devoted products. If you want to reduce your grocery store bill or to minimize your use of chemicals, try natural ingredients already available in your home. The toilet bowl will be spotless and shiny, and the air in your home will be naturally fresh.
Sonic cleaning may be your one and only answer when you come across impenetrable grime. Well casings, for example, that are clogged and corroded are often packed with hardened gunk that is stuck to well-casing lids and walls. Ultrasonic cleaning sends sound waves into concrete-like grime. The sound waves break up the physical nature of the grime at the molecular level, thus fracturing the hardened gunk and making it possible to remove.
Turn an existing bath and shower combo into a modern glassed-in shower in just a few days. Kits are available online and at many home improvement and hardware stores that are designed to fit into an existing bathtub area. Glass block wall panels included in the kit make setting glass blocks less of a task and let the walls be built more quickly. The shower pan is preformed and ready to use as is or can be ready for tile, depending on personal choice.
Toilet bowls can become subject to an array of different mineral deposits, including rust, calcium and limescale. Limescale forms as hard water evaporates; water contains trace minerals, and as it dries, the minerals remain on the porcelain surface. Many commercial solutions exist for the purpose of killing minerals like limescale, but you can get the job done using a homemade solution.
Jetted tubs can refer to either hot tubs designed for recreational use or whirlpool-style tubs intended for bathing purposes. The latter is drained after every use by pulling the plug, just like a standard bathtub or bathtub-shower combo. The former, however, drains differently and less frequently. Jetted hot tubs intended for recreation should be drained occasionally to improve water quality, to winterize the tub and to perform other maintenance requirements.
Ceramic cookware, whether it's an oven casserole dish or a frying pan, provides the benefits of cast iron but is easier to clean due to the ceramic enamel coating. Food residue, mineral deposits and soap scum still build up on the ceramic surface, especially if a pot is allowed to boil dry or food is burned during cooking. Removing the scum without damaging the enamel ensures the cookware performs well for many years.
The Whirlpool Duet GHW9150P is a front-load washing machine with a drain pump and filter assembly for emptying water from the appliance at the end of the wash cycle. The drain pump is accessible through the front of the Duet, behind an access panel at the bottom. The appliance is designed to capture small objects such as coins and block these objects from clogging the drain line. Periodically cleaning out this feature helps the Duet operate at peak performance.
Trimming the area surrounding the bottom of a plastic shower surround presents loads of options and choices in materials. The key is to decide whether you want the trim to stand out and make a statement, or whether you want to go for a more subtle and understated look. Whichever material you choose, make sure it blends well with the other textures, colors and the ambiance you want your bathroom to reflect.
One of the misconceptions about installing jetted tubs, such as whirlpools or Jacuzzis, is that you need to make special arrangements for the motors or the plumbing. The reality is that jetted tubs install exactly like any other type of tub, with drains in the floors and hot-and-cold-water pipes bringing water to the tub. The best locations vary by tub, but there are a few basic rules to follow.
Over time, porcelain tubs may develop mineral stains from hard water or knobs and fixtures that have rusted or corroded. Additionally, soap scum, dirt and other debris may build up in other areas of the tub such as where caulking is used. Before applying other cleaning solutions with a bleaching agent over the entire tub, use acetone to spot-treat areas and remove soap-scum buildup and stains. Additionally, wipe acetone over the entire tub before applying any bonding or refinishing coats.
If you have a ceramic tile floor that looks plain, add a rug to liven up the space. It can be a small throw rug or a large area rug. Whatever the size, the process for selecting the perfect rug to go over tile is much the same as selecting rugs for other types of flooring. However, you should consider a few things you normally may not think about in other situations.
If you'd like a hot-tub experience in your own bathroom, install a Jacuzzi tub. A Jacuzzi tub has jets on the inside walls that provide a hydro-massage to soothe aching muscles. Since Jacuzzi tubs are larger than standard tubs though -- with the standard size, 67 inches in length -- you must have more room than the space required for a standard tub.
Bathroom caulking can be a pain to keep clean. The white caulk can be a breeding ground for mold, mildew and dirt. Pay special attention to the caulk every time you clean your bathtub to prevent the buildup of these substances. Over time, it will be harder to clean if you don't do it regularly. A combination of natural and chemical cleaners can maintain your caulk and keep it looking fresh.
If your shower did not come equipped with a soap tray fixed into the acrylic shower liner, you must install an aftermarket soap tray. No matter how well you installed the first soap tray, it will not last forever. If you slip in the shower and grab hold of the soap dish or drop something heavy onto the dish, it may break. Depending on the type of soap dish you have, it could come loose over time -- eventually detaching from the wall. Repairing your broken soap tray prevents you from having to buy and install a brand new one.
Ceramic tile is a beautiful and durable flooring option in many parts of the home. However, in high-traffic areas like the mudroom, there are special considerations in choosing tile. Because mudrooms serve as an entrance for people coming in from the outside in all kinds of weather, a durable tile like ceramic tile that accommodates the demands of a high-traffic area is recommended.
When the days turn chilly, people dig out their sweaters and reach for the home thermostat to warm up their house. When energy costs rise, however, many people opt for a space heater to warm a single room rather than blasting warm air from a furnace into every room and increasing their energy bill. Ceramic and quartz heaters are common choices, and which one is best depends on the size of the area heated.
When you want to install any kind of bathtub on a concrete floor that isn't level, the best option is to set the tub in a base of foam, which will conform to the tub's contours. Jet tubs are installed the same as any other kind of bathtub or jacuzzi. After you set the tub and have all of the connections ready, you can put a layer of foam under the base of the tub and then let it dry to create a level base.
High pressure drain cleaning is achieved with a sewer jetter. The jet nozzle pulls itself through pipes by using the force of pressurized water. It scrubs the sides of dirty drains, flushes out residue and breaks apart clogs. High pressure drain cleaners are designed to use with metal and plastic pipes, not ceramic drain pipes. Depending on the type of material that collects in your drain, you may need to perform a high pressure drain cleaning on a regular basis.
The strainer that covers a bathtub drain can't keep all hair and soap scum from entering the pipe. Over time, debris builds up inside the drain, causing slower water drainage. A neglected bathtub drain also can develop clogs. Often merely removing the strainer and cleaning the drain can eliminate slow water drainage. If the clog is farther down the pipe, use a cable auger to fish it out.
An overflowed toilet does more than prevent you from using it. The overflow also makes a mess all over the floor. While the first step you must take is to clean up the waste to prevent moisture damage to the flooring and exposure to germs and bacteria, getting the water level down in the toilet is also important. You can employ effective, simple methods to reduce the water level in the toilet bowl so you can remove the clog.
The home plumbing system is a mysterious web of pipes and vents that all interconnects to provide a home with fresh water and take away used water. If you hear gurgling sounds from the toilet when it is not being used, it could be that the sewer vent pipe to the outside is clogged and needs cleaning. This is normally a 2- to 3-inch polyvinyl chloride or metal pipe on the roof directly over the bathroom that is sticking upward a foot or two. The most common problem is a bird or insect nest in the pipe.
Corian sinks are made by the DuPont company and come in a crisp white color that fits into nearly any kitchen style. To keep the white Corian looking its best, clean the sink regularly to remove buildup that accumulates through regular contact with foods, drinks and other elements that deposit onto the surface of the sink. The DuPont company recommends several cleaning products and tools to keep Corian looking like new.
If you use hairspray and those little lines between your tile floor or counter top are sticky, even after you've cleaned, apply some extra attention to your grout. Grout lines are often set lower than tile, and the material is porous, so simply cleaning the surface of your tiles may not do the trick to remove hairspray buildup.
Corian is a specific brand of sinks and countertops made by DuPont. Because Corian has a non-porous surface, it is stain resistant. Therefore, if you washed paintbrushes in your sink or dropped paint on the Corian while painting, it won't leave a permanent mark. The paint stain is temporary and should easily scrub away without resorting to any special chemicals or solvents.
Soap scum builds up in bathtub drains and in pipes, especially in older homes. Old pipes are typically metal and may corrode and become less smooth inside over time. The grooves and bumps inside the pipes collect hair and soap scum until it gets to the point where water either drains slowly or not at all. While the best way to clear drains and pipes is with a snake, inexpensive products from the pantry may be effective in dissolving small buildups.
Your shower should be a haven where you wash away grime and offensive odor from a hard day of work. However, the rotten egg stink of sulfur can ruin even the most relaxing shower. This pungent stench is most often a product of sulfur buildup in your water supply, and can be greatly reduced or eliminated with a little scrubbing and a new anti-corrosion rod.
Few things feel any better than taking a long soak in a spacious old iron bathtub. However, although the porcelain enamel surface of an iron tub is quite hard, over time damage can occur. The porcelain finish on a cast iron tub often becomes worn and porous. Something might cause chipping to the porcelain surface, or the use of abrasive or acidic cleaners damages it. Then the surface can wear away and become porous, making cleaning your old iron tub more difficult. Therefore, it is important to clean such a bathtub properly to avoid causing more damage.
Mudrooms are typically located inside the main entrance of homes to give residents and guests a place to remove their outerwear, shoes and boots before entering the main house. The floor in the room must withstand excessive dirt, moisture, foot traffic and frequent cleaning, so a durable, easy-to-maintain tile is the best floor covering.
A colorful shower curtain is the simplest tool for updating a tired bathroom space. Make the shower the focal point in the room with a statement-making, graphic pattern. Hanging curtains at the ceiling level helps give the illusion of floor to ceiling windows. The same concept remains true in the bathroom; a high-hung shower curtain adds visual impact, especially in a small bathroom. However, most standard shower curtains measure 72 inches by 72 inches, which is too short for a floor to ceiling curtain. Adding a bit of fabric to the shower curtain in a coordinating pattern increases the length…
Soap scum removal can be one of the toughest household challenges. The filmy, white substance can build up on shower walls, shower curtains and in drains if ignored. Almost everyone has a different trick for preventing soap scum buildup from daily cleaning to waxing shower walls and using only liquid soap in the shower. There are just as many home remedies for removing tough-to-clean scum from showers and drains. It only takes a stroll down the cleaning aisle at a grocery or discount store to see that soap scum removal is a big business. There are, though, some at-home treatments…
